Yom Kippur

Laws of Yom Kippur

REMEMBER: This fast day is of Biblical origin and must be observed
more stringently than other fast days, which are of Rabbinic origin. Thus, sick
or very weak people must fast unless it may endanger their lives. Always consult
a Rabbi in this case.

1) Besides eating and drinking, washing or smearing ointments are prohibited
on Yom Kippur. If one's hands are dirty, he is allowed to wash off the dirt, since
this is done for the purpose of cleaning and not for pleasure.

2) Upon awakening in the morning of Yom Kippur, one washes his hands three times
up till the end of the knuckles and then recites the Beracha, "Al Netilat Yadayim".

3) One is not allowed to brush their teeth, wash their face or body.

4) One is not permitted to wear shoes made of leather.

5) Older children who have not yet reached the age of Bar\Bat Misva and who don't
fast the entire day should still be aware of the fast and should abstain from food
and drink at least during the night of Yom Kippur. On Yom Kippur day, they should
abstain from eating non-essential foods, such as candy.

6) One should consult a competent Rabbi as to whether a sick person must fast
on Yom Kippur. When there is a sakana (danger to life), one is not allowed to fast.
Even when a person is allowed to eat on the Holiday, they must be instructed to
eat in a very specific way, according to precise measurements. A pregnant woman,
or a woman after giving birth (more than 3 days) who feels ill should also consult
a Rabbi.

7) Even though a person may not know Hebrew, they should try to follow along
in English. The Vidui prayer is repeated several times during the course of the
day. Though each of us may not be guilty of the many sins that are listed, since
we pray as a group, saying the different sins helps to remind us of our past actions
and inspires us to do Teshuba.

8) Mosai Yom Kippur is a partial Yom Tob. Kiddush Lebana (blessing of the new
moon) is recited. It is best to start working on the Succah right after Yom Kippur
to show that we start off the New Year with a Misvah.